Glucose in Red Blood Cells (G6PD RBC Glucose)
This test measures the level of glucose (sugar) inside your red blood cells (RBCs). It helps assess how well your red blood cells are using glucose for energy.
["This test can help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting red blood cells or glucose metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 49925-1
- Short code
- G6PD RBC Glock & McLean-cCnt
- Synonyms
- G6PD RBC Glock & McLean-cCnt
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- glock-mclean
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or unusual blood test results that suggest problems with red blood cells or sugar metabolism. It can also be part of evaluating conditions like glucose intolerance or hereditary disorders of red blood cells.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw a blood sample. If you’re fasting, follow your doctor’s instructions about when to eat or drink.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range for healthy adults. Abnormal results may indicate issues like hereditary glucose disorders, red blood cell disorders, or metabolic problems. Your doctor will discuss these findings with you.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test can help diagnose or track conditions such as hereditary fructose intolerance, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, or other metabolic disorders affecting red blood cells.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High or low RBC glucose levels can signal underlying metabolic or genetic conditions. For example, G6PD deficiency may cause red blood cell breakdown, leading to anemia or other complications. Your doctor will correlate these results with your symptoms and other tests to determine the best course of action.
Short name
RBC Glucose
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal RBC glucose level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect RBC glucose levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy